Edmonton, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Alberta farmers affected by extreme moisture will have more time to access AgriStability after the provincial and federal governments announced changes to the program.

Alberta has opened late participation in the 2026 AgriStability program, allowing producers who missed the April 30 enrolment deadline to sign up until October 1.

The interim payment rate has also been increased to 75% of the estimated final payment, putting money into producers’ hands sooner and helping cash flow during what has been a difficult growing season for some because of extremely wet weather.

“Each year, farmers make careful decisions to prepare for the upcoming growing season, but extreme weather can disrupt even the best plans,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Related: Hail Report: With harvest underway, farmers continue to deal with crop damage

The wet conditions highlight the unpredictable risks farmers face, said Alberta’s Agriculture Minister Tara Sawyer.

“Record levels of moisture across Alberta have left some producers unable to assess their crops or maintain regular operations,” she said. “These extreme wet conditions demonstrate that one growing season can look very different from the next, making it difficult for farmers to predict what risks their operations may face.”

Agriculture Financial Services Corp. administers AgriStability in Alberta. Producers must pay the required upfront fee by October 1 to qualify, and late participants face a 20% reduction in benefits. Factors such as reduced income, increased expenses or reduced inventory are used to determine a potential benefit.